Hyogo based molybdenum and vanadium maker, Taiyo Koko held completion ceremony of new aluminium vanadium plant in Ako, Hyogo. With the domestic first aluminium vanadium dedicated line with a reacting furnace, the firm tripled the output capacity to annual 60 tonnes. The firm supplies the product as additive for titanium aluminium vanadium alloy and eyes potential shipment for air plane titanium alloy.
The firm builds the new plant with 440 square meters of floor space and a thermit reacting furnace for 215 million yen. The plant has brender, shot blasting machine and crashers. The firm started the test production at smaller furnace since 3 years ago. The firm decided the expansion with request from the users. The firm makes mainly alloy with 85% vanadium and provides alloy with 0.25-6 millimeters diameter. Titanium alloy demand increases for artificial bone, joint and dental implant. Aluminium vanadium supply is tight in international market due to strong demand for alloy with 65% vanadium for airplane titanium alloy making when only offshore 3 makers can provide aluminium vanadium. Taiyo Koko recognizes aluminium vanadium supply is very tight and the lead time is 10-12 months. The firm tries to cover domestic 85% vanadium alloy market through the expansion.